Elbow Pain

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is caused by the repetitive twisting of the wrist or forearm, resulting in the irritation and inflammation of the outer/lateral tendon, which connects the extensor/supinator muscles to the elbow joint. This variety of elbow tendinitis is caused primarily by overuse from doing common activities - rarely because of playing tennis - though when tennis is involved, the culprit is usually poor form.

The pain and tenderness associated with tennis elbow occur primarily where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow - but pain can also radiate to the forearm and wrist. Determining the cause is important to proper treatment, which varies depending on whether it is of an acute or chronic nature. See your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis.

When symptoms arise, this and other forms of tendinitis are typically treated by application of the R.I.C.E. protocol immediately following the injury (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation; some Health Care Professionals also recommend protecting the joint, as well - by not using the joint, or temporarily stopping the activity which caused it - transforming the name of the protocol to P.R.I.C.E.). Additional treatment includes: the use of anti-inflammatory medications, stabilizing the elbow with a band or brace, exercise and physical therapy, and in some serious cases, surgery. Providing support to the elbow when active may help prevent re-injury

Golfers Elbow

Golfer's elbow is a type of tendinitis caused by overuse or overload of the inner forearm muscles, resulting in the irritation and inflammation of the inner/medial tendon. It is a common type of elbow-related tendinitis, caused primarily by overuse from doing common activities - rarely because of playing golf - making its name, like that of "tennis elbow,"somewhat misleading. Other activities - like racquetball - which involve the wrist, may also cause golfer's elbow. Determining the cause is important to proper treatment, which varies depending on whether it is of an acute or chronic nature. See your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis.

When symptoms arise, this and other forms of tendinitis are typically treated by application of the R.I.C.E. protocol immediately following the injury (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation; some Health Care Professionals also recommend protecting the joint, as well - by not using the joint, or temporarily stopping the activity which caused it - transforming the name of the protocol to P.R.I.C.E.). Additional treatment includes: the use of anti-inflammatory medications, stabilizing the elbow with a band or brace, exercise and physical therapy, and in some serious cases, surgery. Providing support to the elbow when active may help prevent re-injury.

Tendinitis

tendinitis presents as pain and tenderness at the site of a tendon, the sheath of tissue that connects your muscles to your bones.

This condition is usually caused by inflammation of the tendon through overuse, direct injury or strain. "Tennis elbow" ( repetitive twisting of the wrist or forearm which causes irritation and inflammation of the outer/lateral tendon ) and "golfer's elbow" which affects the tendons which attach on the medial/inner side of the elbow) are two examples, but any repetitive motion to the elbow may cause tendinitis. It may also result from the normal wear and tear of aging, or be caused by an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis - or by a small tear in the tendon.

tendinitis. is typically treated by application of the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), by stabilizing the elbow with a band or brace, and though the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Once past the acute stage of an injury, the tissues in and around the tendon are often rehabilitated through exercise and physical therapy; providing support to the elbow when active may help prevent re-injuries.

Elbow Injury or Weakness

Falling on the tip of your elbow - whether its on ice, another slippery surface, or during sports activities - can result in direct trauma to the joint. This trauma often causes acute bursitis - when the small, fluid-filled sack, or cushion (bursa) that acts to reduce friction between the skin and the bony prominence of the elbow, becomes inflamed, swollen and painful to the touch. Chronic bursitis results from repetitive trauma and the build up of fluid.

Rest and the application of ice are frequent treatment recommendations. Always see your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Weakness of the elbow may be the result of tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, or be caused by dislocation, nerve trauma, or other factors and should be reported to your doctor.

Arthritis of the Elbow Joint

Of the several varieties arthritis - or inflammation of the joints - osteoarthritis is the most common. It is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage of the joint, and is often caused by wear and tear over time. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, including rheumatoid, psoriatic, and arthritis caused by infection.

When arthritis occurs in the elbow, which is less common than in other joints, the primary treatment goal is to alleviate pain to help you remain active. Always consult your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis, treatment and pain management recommendations.

Heat is a natural antidote to help ease arthritis pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the flow of blood to the area. The application of heat can be especially helpful prior to exercise - which is considered my many to be an important pain management strategy for those with arthritis. As your Health Care Professional will tell you, don't use heat if you have poor circulation or skin sensation

If you occasionally have a flare-up of your arthritis, the application of cold during the first couple of days may help dull the pain, but be careful not to overdo it. If you have poor circulation or numbness, do not apply cold.